One of my favorite characteristics of cinema is that it can defy one’s expectations.  For instance, I didn’t expect to enjoy the political thriller Shadow Land based on what little I knew about it, its poor IMDb rating, its main star (Jon Voight, whose political statements have colored my own view of him) and the fact that there are so few good movies about ex-presidents.  My Fellow Americans?  Welcome to Mooseport?  I rest my case.

James Bamford’s film centers on former president Robert Wainwright (Jon Voight), who is having nightmares and becoming convinced that someone is trying to hunt him on his secluded “Shadow Land” estate.  Wainwright reconnects with his psychiatrist Elliot Davrow (Marton Csokas), who in turn is disturbed that his own ex-wife Rachel Donnelly (Rhona Mitra) has been asked by Wainwright to help edit his memoirs.  Despite Secret Service protection, Wainwright’s allies uncover evidence that something is going on, and time may be running out.

While the film’s first half-hour establishes the scenario competently enough it all seems rather rote.  But then, surprisingly to me, the writing finds a deeper level, the characters come alive and intrigue blossoms.  As the situation progresses it becomes more nuanced and menacing, reinforced by flashbacks to the political crisis that sparks the current dilemma.  The script does a nice, believable and convincing job of creating its conspiracy, covering its tracks and presenting the president’s worries as the result of a decaying mind.  Interesting choices are made which build to a logical and satisfying conclusion.

Although my own admiration of Jon Voight has decreased over the years it was a very pleasant shock to see him at the top of his game here.  Voight the actor has always been excellent, even with his tendency to chew the scenery in certain roles (Runaway Train, Anaconda).  In Shadow Land Jon Voight has the opportunity to play a stand-up guy, an honorable man frightened by his current situation but still willing to face the truth and its consequences head on.  It’s a terrific role and Voight is excellent.  So is Marton Csokas, usually given to villainous roles as in The Equalizer.  He and Rhona Mitra are equally outstanding, and the three of them, along with the script, make this potboiler much better than I expected it to be.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  8 May 2026.